Working Group on Human Remains (Hansard, 8 May 2001)

§ Mr. Alan Howarth

I am delighted to do so. The main tasks of the Working Group on Human Remains will be to examine the current legal status of human remains within the publicly funded Museums and Galleries in the United Kingdom, to consider the desirability of a statement of principles (and supporting guidance) relating to the care and safekeeping of human remains and to the handling of requests for return, and to prepare a report for the Government.

The Membership of the Group will be: Chairman: Professor Normal Palmer, Professor of Commercial Law, University College, London Mr. Tristram Besterman—Director, Manchester University Museum, Convener, Museums Association Ethics Committee Dr. Neil Chalmers—Director, The Natural History Museum Dr. Maurice Davies—Deputy Director, Museums Association Professor Caroline Forder—Professor of European Family Law, University of Maastricht Mrs. Hetty Gleave—Solicitor, Hunters, Chair ArtResolve Dr. Sally MacDonald—Manager, Petrie Museum of Egyptian Archaeology, University College London Dr. John Mack—Senior Keeper, British Museum Professor Sir Peter Morris—Nuffield Professor of Surgery at the University of Oxford and President-elect of the Royal College of Surgeons of England Dr. Laura Peers—Lecturer in Ethnology and Curator of Pitt Rivers Museum, University of Oxford Professor Marilyn Strathern—Department of Social Anthropology, University of Cambridge.

The terms of reference for the Group are set out. The Government intend that the group should start work as soon as possible.

Terms of reference for Working Group on the Potential Return of Human Remains

To examine the current legal status of human remains within the collections of publicly funded Museums and Galleries in the United Kingdom.To examine the powers of museums and galleries governed by statute to deaccession, or otherwise release from their possession, human remains within their collections and to consider the desirability and possible form of legislative change in this area.To consider the circumstances in which material other than, but associated with, human remains might be properly included within any proposed legislative change in respect of human remains.To take advice from interested parties as necessary.Consider the desirability of a Statement of Principles (and supporting guidance) relating to the care and safekeeping of human remains and to the handling of requests for return. If the Panel considers appropriate, to draw up the terms of such a Statement and guidance.To prepare a report for the Minister for the Arts and make recommendations as to proposals which might form the basis for a consultation document (to be used for consultation under the Regulatory Reform Bill).